Padres Report: Clark on a spring spree

PEORIA, Ariz.  Matt Clark was available to baseball’s other 29 teams last December for the sum of $50,000.

The Padres didn’t protect the 25-year-old first baseman-outfielder from the Rule 5 draft. And the Padres expected to lose Clark, who hit .292 with 23 homers and 83 RBI for Triple-A Tucson last season.

But no one drafted Clark. In fact, only one position player went in the major league portion of the Rule 5 draft.

“I was a little disappointed,” admitted Clark. “But there were a lot of free agents available.”

However, shortly after clearing the Rule 5 draft, the Padres offered the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Clark to spring training. Clark is making the most of the opportunity. Clark is off to a 6-for-14 start this spring with a pair of homers, the second being a rocket to right Wednesday afternoon against the Reds in Goodyear.

The problem for Clark is that he’s no better than No. 4 on the Padres depth chart at first – ranking behind Yonder Alonzo, Jesus Guzman and Kyle Blanks.

“It’s tough,” said Clark. “But you have to be patient. They can’t hold you down forever if you keep doing the job.”

Dustin Moseley is working four innings Thursday against the Brewers in Maryvale with Micah Owings pitching two and Alex Hinshaw, Josh Spence and Dale Thayer working an inning apiece.

Two interesting aspects to today’s game. Moseley is scheduled to hit for the first time this spring. And Carlos Quentin will be in right for the Padres.

--Right-handed reliever Nick Vincent of Ramona High was on crutches Thursday after a freak injury to his left ankle. Vincent stepped on a ball in the Padres bullpen while preparing to pitch against Arizona in Scottsdale. The ankle ballooned up overnight and Vincent is having X-rays taken.